Thats why Im not here, Michael said. You cant tell them. Or Shane.
Not tell Shane? Eve pulled back. Why not?
Ive been watching, he said. Listening. I can do that when Im, you know
A ghost? Claire supplied.
Exactly. I saw Michael didnt go on, but Claire thought she knew what hed been about to say.
You saw Shanes dad hit him, she said. Right?
I dont want to make him keep secrets from his dad. Not now.
Footsteps pounding up the stairs, then slowing when they hit the hallway. Michael touched his finger to his lips and eased out from Eves frantic grip. He pressed his lips silently to hers.
Hide! Claire whispered. He nodded and opened the closet, rolled his eyes at the mess inside, and forced his way in. Burying himself in piles of clothes, Claire hoped. Miranda had been trapped in that closet after trying to knife Eve, before the house had caught fire; shed really done a job of messing things up. Eve was going to be furious.
Both girls jumped at a hard blow on the door. Eve hastily unlocked the door and stepped back as it flew open, and Shane charged through.
How? He was breathing hard, and he had a crowbar in his hand. Hed have broken through the locks, Claire realized, if hed had to. She came toward him slowly, trying to figure out what he was feeling, and he dropped the crowbar and wrapped his arms around her, lifting her up off the ground. His face was buried in the crook of her neck, and the warm, fast pump of his breath on her skin made her shiver in raw delight. Oh Christ, Claire. Im sorry. Im so sorry.
Not your fault, Eve said. She held out the field hockey stick. Look! I hit him. Um, twice.
Good. Shane kissed Claires cheek and let her slide back down to the floor, but he kept hold of her arms. His eyes, bright under the bruises and swelling, surveyed her carefully. He didnt hurt you? Either of you?
I hit him! Eve repeated brightly, and brandished the stick again for emphasis. So, no, he didnt hurt us. We hurt him. You know, all alone. Without any help. Um, sowheres your dad? He charges to the rescue pretty slow.
Shane closed the door and locked it again as the biker in the hall groaned and rolled over on his side. He didnt answer, which was answer enough. Shanes dad needed his bikers more than he needed Eve or Claire. They were expendable. Worse, theyd probably just become rewards.